Experimental Evaluation of Wheelchair-Mounted Robotic Arms

NCT01652352 | Completed DMC

• 2 other identifiers: 1058800713560
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 20
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Researchers from the University of South Florida's Rehabilitation Engineering program are looking for volunteers to participate in a research study for experimental evaluation of wheelchair-mounted robotic arms (WMRAs). Participants will operate commercially available and developmental WMRAs in a physical test environment. The study will serve to identify desirable design features of WMRAs and input devices so that future production systems may further increase the quality of life of potential users. The study will also promote both the justification of prescribing WMRAs to enhance quality of life through the proposed standard testing method, and awareness for the emerging assistive robotics industry.

Conditions

Spinal Cord Injury; Cerebral Palsy; Multiple Sclerosis

Keywords

Disabled; Disability; Power wheelchair; Wheelchair; Wheelchair mounted robotic arm; WMRA; Assistive; Assistive robot; Assistive robotics; Rehabilitation robot; Rehabilitation engineering; Rehabilitation robotics

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Efficacy - Ease of Use

  In order to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of each of up to six WMRAs, a survey will be presented to the participant at the conclusion of the final testing trial of each task of interest. The participant will be asked to rate the ease of performing the given task with the given WMRA and input device on a number ranking scale. The survey should be completed at the conclusion of testing trials for each task (the participant will be asked to perform up to four individual tasks).

  Efficacy in performing a given task with a given wheelchair- mounted robotic arm will be recorded after three (3) repetitions of the task have been completed. Testing should take no longer than 4 hours.

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Time of Completion

  Time of completion will be recorded after each testing trial. Testing should take no longer than 4 hours.

Study Arms (2)

Individuals with Disability

Power wheelchair-bound individuals with conditions which affect upper and lower body mobility, strength, or dexterity. Such conditions may include but are not limited to spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, or other conditions which affect overall mobility.

Able-Bodied Individuals

Those who possess no condition or injury resulting in loss of mobility.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Candidates will be recruited from University of South Florida facilities and through channels of normal operation of the Center for Assistive and Rehabilitation Robotic Technologies laboratory, its group members, and students. Included candidate sources are primary and specialist care facilities in the Tampa Bay area, affiliates of USF, CARRT, and the College of Engineering, contacts of said organizations, and the general community.

You may qualify if:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 60
• Have an injury or condition resulting in power wheelchair dependence
• Consent to disclose pertinent medical information for purposes of determining level of mobility
• Possess physical dexterity and capacity to operate the following devices:
• button numeric keypad - dimensions: 3inch by 3inch square
• Touch screen tablet PC - dimensions: 15inch (diagonal)
• SpaceNavigator 3D joystick - movements: push, pull, lift, press, twist
• Standard joystick - movements: push, pull
• Chin joystick - movements: push, pull
• Possess capacity to understand the objective of each task, including but not limited to turning on a light switch, opening a cabinet, moving a cup from a table top to the participant's mouth, and opening a door
• Demonstrate the ability to understand, or become familiar with the basic function of both the input device and WMRA
• Spend up to four (4) hours, at one time, in the laboratory located at:
• Rehabilitation Robotics and Prosthetics Testbed (RRT) 13335 Laurel Drive Tampa, FL 33620
• Consent to having a test platform temporarily attached to the participant's wheelchair. The attachment will use soft nylon straps and in no way inflict damage to the participant's property
• Sign an informed consent form

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of South Florida: lead
• U.S. National Science Foundation: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Rehabilitation Robotics and Prosthetics Testbed

Tampa, Florida, 33620, United States

Location

Related Links

• Center for Assistive and Rehabilitation Robotics Technologies
• USF College of Engineering
• USF Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Study Facebook Group

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Spinal Cord Injuries; Cerebral Palsy; Multiple Sclerosis

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Spinal Cord Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Trauma, Nervous System; Wounds and Injuries; Brain Damage, Chronic; Brain Diseases; Demyelinating Autoimmune Diseases, CNS; Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System; Demyelinating Diseases; Autoimmune Diseases; Immune System Diseases

Study Officials

• Rajiv Dubey, Ph.D.

  Major Professor

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 13, 2010
• First Posted: July 30, 2012
• Study Start: August 1, 2010
• Primary Completion: July 1, 2011
• Study Completion: July 1, 2011
• Last Updated: July 30, 2012

Record last verified: 2012-07

Locations

US (1)